Placement Year Review at Debenhams

The Role

Role Description

Working at Debenhams, I was responsible for certain aspects of the Merchandising responsibilities within the team. These responsibilities included booking and managing production with suppliers, raising orders on continuity and new product lines, managing weekly stock intake, forecasting sales and stock intake by completing the WSSI and Margin Monitor on a weekly basis. I also built proposals for promotional activities occurring within the Department by analysing sales performance, stock levels and margin return. I would also liaise with suppliers and stores on a daily basis in regards to stock, product ranging and promotions, as well as carrying out ad-hoc analysis in the form of reports, trials and exercises.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It was a challenging but very rewarding placement. I feel like I got a lot out of it and my confidence in myself and my abilities has grown so much.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everyone was very welcoming and happy to help, even other teams would help out if necessary, very family-orientated.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

There was a lot of support from the management when asked for, although I had to be pro-active in seeking it myself.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Some days were busier than others but there is always something to do to help others, even if not directly for the team I was part of.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

There were times when I had to take control of certain situations and responsible for certain aspects and jobs within my team. I always felt supported by my team though.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Confidence I think is the major skill developed.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Apart from first thing on a Monday morning it felt like a constant party!

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Very well organised, although I should have been a bit more pro-active with arranging feedback sessions earlier on so I could have improved and developed quicker.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Amazing! The training and development the company invested in me was fantastic, it made me feel so welcome and a part of the company. I went on many courses that helped me with fulfilling my job role and in developing my own skills e.g. presentation skills and Excel training courses.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

• Company Parties/Events
• Staff Sales/Staff Shop

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I have been offered a job after graduation, which is a great relief!

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Socials were arranged amongst most of the placement students so a lot of friendships were made.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I lived at home, so I didn't have living expenses only travel expenses. This did mean I didn't go out with the other placement students as often as most because the comute was so much longer than everyone else's. But pay-day drinks were regular.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

The night life was great. Central London was a pretty good location in that respect.

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 4/10

Not really.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

It is a great company to work with and to grow with in Retail, great atmosphere considering it is in London, I was worried about that. Great place to work, great opportunity to meet people and socialise.

Review 17/25 for Debenhams

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